Chapter 281: Incomparable

Chapter 281: Incomparable

When the Dowager Empress inquired about Xiao Huai and Tang Shuyi’s situation, he couldn't reveal the truth, so he vaguely said, "Our relationship is passable."

Their relationship was indeed quite agreeable.

However, the Dowager Empress seemed skeptical of his words, "Jingyi visited the Duke's residence a couple of days ago and mentioned that Yuzhu seemed rather unhappy. Is it because you and Shuyi aren’t getting along well, causing her distress?"

Xiao Huai: "..."

Why does that kid have such a loose tongue?

"I understand it's difficult for you," the Dowager Empress said, "but you need to handle this matter properly, otherwise our Shuyi and the three children will be very distressed!"

In fact, if Xiao Huai and Tang Shuyi truly became husband and wife, the Dowager Empress wouldn't mind. That her son was alive was already the greatest mercy from heaven; she didn't want to fuss about the rest. Moreover, there wasn't anything particularly objectionable about Tang Shuyi.

"I understand, I'll handle it well," Xiao Huai assured.

He hadn’t thought too much about what the future would hold with Tang Shuyi; for now, they were getting along rather well.

This was the second meeting between mother and son since Xiao Huai’s resurrection, naturally, they had much to talk about. Meanwhile, in another courtyard not far away, Tang Shuyi was passively evaluating Miss Song.

Her heart was set on Princess Jianing, and she had no interest in looking at other girls. But today, Lady Song and her daughter's aim was to leave a good impression on her to facilitate Miss Song's marriage with Xiao Yuchen. Hence, Lady Song spared no effort in praising her daughter, and Miss Song also behaved in a free and easy manner.

Truth be told, judging from what he had seen so far, Miss Song was decent in both looks and character, but she still couldn't compare to Princess Jianing.

As they were chatting, a young maid walked in and whispered a few words to Miss Song. Miss Song's face immediately changed, and then she stood up and bowed to Tang Shuyi, saying, "I must excuse myself for a moment due to an urgent matter, I hope Madam understands."

Tang Shuyi naturally wouldn't say anything, but this flustered reaction of Miss Song made her even less comparable to Princess Jianing.

She smiled and said, "You attend to your matters; I should be going as well. My Yuzhu is probably looking for me by now."

Saying so, she stood up and headed out, with Lady Song smiling and escorting her. Once she left, Lady Song glared at Miss Song and asked, "What’s so important that you had to leave now? Do you know how much effort I put into arranging this encounter?"

Miss Song, anxious, said, "Li Huixin has also come to the Chongguang Temple, and she’s gone to see the crown prince."

She had her maid keep an eye on Xiao Yuchen’s movements. Her maid had just informed her that Li Huixin had found Xiao Yuchen and was clinging to him, talking his ear off.

Lady Song's expression darkened even more as she scolded, "How have I been teaching you all this time? To be composed and keep your cool in all situations. Look at what you just did. With such behavior, who would marry you to be the matron of a family? It’s perfect that Li Huixin went to find the crown prince. You should have subtly directed the Duchess over there, letting her see how shameless Li Huixin is."

Miss Song looked regretful upon hearing her words, "I... I didn't think of that."

Lady Song was even more frustrated with her lack of foresight.

"What... what do we do now?" Miss Song asked anxiously.

Lady Song thought for a moment, biting her lip. "Well..."

She whispered a few words to Miss Song, who then wore a smile and immediately instructed her maid to carry out the task.

Meanwhile, Tang Shuyi, accompanied by Cuizhu and Cuiyun, was heading to the courtyard she had arranged in advance. However, not long into their walk, a little maid bumped into her from behind. Cuizhu and Cuiyun quickly steadied her, with Cuiyun admonishing the maid, "Don’t you look where you’re going?"

The little maid knelt down in fright, trembling as she said, "This servant... it wasn't intentional, I... I was trying to save Young Master Xiao... No, no, I mean... I mean..."

She hesitated, clearly wanting to say more but too afraid to speak. Tang Shuyi mentally marked another red cross against Miss Song in her mind, and Lady Song was no exception.

They try to scheme, but their schemes are too clumsy. Does she not realize that this maid did it on purpose?

"It's alright, go attend to your matters," Tang Shuyi said amiably.

Maid: "......"

I've already mentioned your son, why don't you ask what happened? If you don't ask, how can I tell you?

"This... this..." The little maid grew anxious, kneeling and then adding, "Lady of the Dingguo Duke, I heard that Young Master Xiao is entangled with Princess Huixin."

Hearing this, Tang Shuyi frowned but didn’t panic. Xiao Yuchen was with Xiao Yuming, and they had attendants with them in broad daylight. How could he be bullied by a woman?

"Hmm, I understand," Tang Shuyi said, turning to walk away. The little maid was baffled; this wasn’t what her mistress had planned!

Back at the courtyard, Tang Shuyi saw Xiao Huai exiting the Empress Dowager's room. He offered an "explanation," saying, "I just had a brief word with the Empress Dowager."

It was merely a perfunctory "explanation." Hearing it, the Empress Dowager in the room wanted to facepalm. The two were hardly acquainted and of opposite sexes, so why would they sit together for no reason?

She rose and approached Tang Shuyi, asking, "Have you finished discussing matters with Lady An Yuan Hou?"

Tang Shuyi found the mother and son amusing but kept her expression neutral, replying, "Yes, it was just some trivial family talk."

The Empress Dowager hummed, "It's cold outside; come in."

Tang Shuyi nodded, then said to Xiao Huai, "There might be some trouble with Yuchen; perhaps the Duke should take a look."

Xiao Huai nodded, "Alright."

With that, he walked away, and the Empress Dowager watched the interaction between the two, feeling somewhat relieved. Their relationship didn’t seem too strained. As for Tang Shuyi directing her son, she didn’t take it to heart. The old saying goes, as long as the person is alive, nothing else matters. Besides, if the child is in trouble, it’s only right for a father to check on him.

"What happened?" the Empress Dowager asked.

Tang Shuyi took her arm, and as they walked into the room, she recounted the recent events, concluding, "It’s probably just some young girls' schemes."

As they sat down inside, the Empress Dowager said, "Don’t bother with that Princess Huixin or the young lady from the Marquis of An Yuan's house. Neither seems up to any good."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "I feel the same way."

"Don’t rush Yu Chen’s marriage prospects; take your time to choose carefully," the Empress Dowager advised.

Tang Shuyi nodded, "That's my plan, to wait until he's done with the imperial examinations."

"That's the way to do it," the Empress Dowager agreed, then started to explain her earlier conversation with Xiao Huai, "I bumped into the Duke of Dingguo in the courtyard and asked him about martial arts, as I feel that Jing Yi's current martial arts tutor is not very good."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "The Duke is indeed knowledgeable in that area."

"Indeed," the Empress Dowager continued, "What do you think about letting Jing Yi learn martial arts from the Duke?"